Harmison set for recall

Steve Harmison is poised to be recalled today to the England squad for the third Test against South Africa, four months after he was dropped in New Zealand. The 29-year-old has taken 41 wickets at 22.82 in first-class games for Durham this season and the selectors are expected to reward that form by naming him in a 13-man squad for the match at Edgbaston starting on Wednesday.

"We know we have to win two games to win the series and have to create a side which is capable of that at Edgbaston," said the national selector, Geoff Miller. "We have discussed all kinds of things - extra pace, whether it will turn more or whether it is anticipated to swing." If the selectors want extra pace, Harmison can provide it, regularly clocking around 90mph this season.

Indeed, with South Africa's Dale Steyn due to miss the match with a broken left thumb, Harmison could return as the fastest bowler on show.